Best way to clean aluminum rims?

[meinvw]

I have 2 sets of aluminum rims that need cleanning, one set was on a vehicle in the woods for 3+years, the other was cleaned by PO but only on the front, they have 30 years of grime caked on back.

Any ideas on the best way to clean without damaging? Thanks in advance.
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The memories of a man in his old age, are the deeds of a man in his prime.
Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati !
73 High roof, 79 hr, 72 hr, Mr magoo buggy, 72 westie, and then there is the wc junk...
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Want a hazet tool kit or hazet buddy ,plaid stool/bucket, or a drive away tent (later model, do not want og tents) Trades on these parts since I am a broke mo-fo.....

[RareAir]

Hand wash the wheels to get most of the grime off. Use engine degreaser or some alternative wheel cleaner. Then after drying, just start applying Mothers Aluminum polish. Slow & tedious, but you'll eventually get it done. You can also try using 1000-1500grit wet/dry sandpaper to get most of the grimy residue off.
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[markm]

Squirt some modern wheel cleaner and then use a pressure washer.

[meinvw]

Thanks all, I have tried the greased lightning automotive, and a few others. But looks like I will be doing it by hand. So much for being lazy!
_________________
The memories of a man in his old age, are the deeds of a man in his prime.
Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati !
73 High roof, 79 hr, 72 hr, Mr magoo buggy, 72 westie, and then there is the wc junk...
www.fullmoonbusclub.com
Want a hazet tool kit or hazet buddy ,plaid stool/bucket, or a drive away tent (later model, do not want og tents) Trades on these parts since I am a broke mo-fo.....

[Kangarooboy]

I'm wanting to polish my Rivieras, did they have a clearcoat on them or can I just go to town with the Mothers aluminium polish?

Thanks!

[nobrakes]

Check back when your done, you have a BIG job ahead of you doing it by hand. Unless the wheels are rare just buy new ones or roll them crusty.
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[Nid]

What prevents you from using a low speed hand held buffing wheel with the polish? Why by hand?
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[canbug]

I have used oven cleaner before with very good results. If you go this way, spray it on and wipe it off a minute later and repeat. If you leave the oven cleaner on for a longer perod of time it will start to eat/pit the wheels. Good luck.
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[sk8brd75]

[coad]

Oven cleaner might be a bit too harsh.

The hardware stores sell a spray-on cleaner for aluminum screendoors and windows that removes the heavy oxidation without doing damage. It won't get the wheels anywhere near where you want them, but it will get rid of the worst of it, and give you a good place to start.

[meinvw]

Thanks all, Had someone want the wheels so I sold them. But great info I am sure I will need it again down the road. Ah, wait, the Ansens on my 62 need cleaning, I guess its back to work!
_________________
The memories of a man in his old age, are the deeds of a man in his prime.
Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati !
73 High roof, 79 hr, 72 hr, Mr magoo buggy, 72 westie, and then there is the wc junk...
www.fullmoonbusclub.com
Want a hazet tool kit or hazet buddy ,plaid stool/bucket, or a drive away tent (later model, do not want og tents) Trades on these parts since I am a broke mo-fo.....

[squidman]

Just short of having a shop polish them at about 1,000 rpms with some Tripoli bars and a cotton wheel. Try using wet/dry sandpaper at 1200 grit or better with a light oil if they are already smooth. Then follow with any commercial polish for aluminum. If they are cast, don't waste your time, just clean em with simple grean or similar.